THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII

Active Volcano Tour

Overview & Activity Comparison

Overview

Kilauea Volcano is what the Big Island is most famous for. The most active volcano in Hawaii and likely the world, it is also the most accessible. It is a fascinating display of the forces that have shaped our world. In fact, the volcano continues to create new land, sometimes dramatically threatening or destroying communities in the process. In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the heart of the active volcanic region, natural wonders abound, including vast craters, steaming vents, past lava flows, lush rainforest with exotic flora, arches and cliffs towering above the ocean, and more.

On a small group tour, you'll get the most of your day exploring the region. You'll not only be comfortably escorted across vast distances (it's a really BIG Island), but you'll learn an incredible amount from an expert guide about the culture, history, and geology of the volcano and Hawaii more broadly. You'll also have exclusive access to unique stops not open to the public, including exploring a lava tube on a private property (note: the one in the National Park is closed indefinitely), enjoying a nature walk on a historical working ranch, and taking in a stunning view of Halemaumau Crater from Mauna Loa.

FALL 2018 UPDATE: The National Park reopened in September 2018, and our tours are fully operational!

Guidebook Reviews

Hawaii Big Island Revealed Guidebook:

If you had to name the one thing the Big Island is most famous for, it would undoubtedly be Kilauea Volcano. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the most fascinating place you may ever visit.

It is a humbling experience to stand there and observe Earthly creation. There are not many places on this planet where you can walk on ground younger than you are. We've been there when people from all over the world stand in awe, tears streaming down their cheeks as they tell their children, "You may never see anything like this again in your lifetime.

Lonely Planet Guidebook:

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: Hawaii’s Top 20

Fodor's Guidebook:

If you do nothing else on the Big Island, do the volcano

Moon Guidebook:

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park truly does offer something for everyone. Even non-nature lovers are impressed by the environmental oddities offered there, such as the vastly different landscapes situated next to each other. Within moments one can pass through a tropical rainforest to what appears like a moon landscape.

Activity Comparison

The below table outlines the key differences between our two tours. Both are operated by a highly regarded company running small group tours for over 25 years. Please visit the individual pages for all the details, to check availability, and to book.

* Hilo is about halfway to the volcano from Kona / Waikoloa, so those staying on the west side with a rental car could meet in Hilo (or even drive the full 2 hours to Volcanoes National Park).
** Volcano is 2 hours one-way from Waikoloa/Kona and 45 minutes from Hilo